SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 11
Download to read offline
English Language Teaching; Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
ISSN 1916-4742 E-ISSN 1916-4750
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
136
The Study of Student Motivation on English Learning in Junior
Middle School -- A Case Study of No.5 Middle School in Gejiu
Chunmei Long1
, Zhu Ming1
& Liping Chen1
1
College of Foreign Languages, Yunnan Agricultural University, China
Correspondence: Liping Chen, Yunnan Province, Kunming 650201, China. Tel: 86-0871-6522-7828. E-mail:
lcmhope@126.com
Received: May 28, 2013 Accepted: June 17, 2013 Online Published: August 15, 2013
doi:10.5539/elt.v6n9p136 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n9p136
Abstract
Motivation plays an important role in foreign language learning. Learning motivation is to promote and guide
and maintain learning activities which have been conducted an internal strength or internal mechanism. Learning
motivation once formed, the student will use an active learning attitude to learn, and express a keen interest in
learning, and can focus attention in class to master knowledge. Through the study of the theory of modern
education, this paper discusses the definition of motivation, types of motivation; the role of motivation in
English learning are analyzed. The subjects in the thesis are Gejiu middle school students, and the author
designed a questionnaire on English motivation. The purpose of the study was to find out the unfavorable factors.
According to the results and the related theory, the author presents some suggestions to arouse the students’
English motivation and improve the efficiency of English learning and teaching in Junior Middle School. Among
the suggestions, the implications by the study include that students need motivation to help them learning
English, they should establish the right goal to enhance them learning English well. Meanwhile, as an organizer
in teaching, teacher should pay more attention to communicative learning that can stimulate students to learn
effectively.
Key words: learning motivation, junior middle school student, English learning
1. Introduction
1.1 Background
In recent years in China, learning English has been prevalent and it has become more popular and urgent as
China has joined World Trade Organization (WTO), and China has held the 2010 Shanghai World Expo
successfully. As a global language, English is becoming more and more important in international cooperation
and communication so English learning is getting more and more popular in China. Therefore, motivation plays
an important role in foreign learning. Learning motivation is to promote, guide and maintain learning activities
which have been conducted an internal strength or internal mechanism. Learning motivation once formed, the
student will use an initiative study attitude to learn, and express a keen interest in learning, and can focus
attention in class to master knowledge. But also the student will have a kind of motivation to make state of
attention, especially in the process of learning. Learning motivation that there is a dialectical relationship, which
learning can produce motivation, and motivation can promote learning again, as Ausubel (1968) says, there is the
complementary typically relationship between Motivation and Learning. Thus, learning motivation plays an
essential role in learning English. In the course of learning foreign languages, students with strong motivation
can always make good achievements while students without intrinsic motivation are often losers of language
learning.
In addition, the English learners have become younger and younger. English has been a compulsory subject in
middle school for a long time. As for the junior students, students need motivations in learning a foreign
language. Moreover, teachers should know the psychological theory and the process of English learning in order
to encourage and enhance students’ English learning.
Learners’ motivation plays a crucial part in learning English. Indeed, the role of learners’ motivation in learning
has been examined by many researchers who are interested in this subject area. Gardner (1985) seems to support
this idea and point out that motivation in language learning is of particular importance. He indicates that the
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
137
motivation of foreign language learning contains four aspects: a goal, effortful behavior, a desire to attain the
goal and attitude. Students who have strong learning motivation take a correct and positive attitude towards
study and make great efforts to master English with clear goal and desire and consequently gain better grade. It
is true that motivation is such a basic factor in language learning that no teacher could avoid being concerned
with students’ motivation. Therefore, teachers and students also pay more attention to motivation, which can
drive students to learn English actively.
1.2 Problem Statement and Research Questions
Learners’ motivation of learning a language is considered as a crucial factor influencing the achievement and
proficiency of learning. If a student is given motivation, student can learn a language better and can last the
learning enthusiasm longer. Without motivation nobody can achieve the long-term goal of learning a language.
High achievement-motivation is one of factors that cause successful learning may cause high motivation as well.
Foreign language teachers want to stimulate students’ learning motivation very much. How do we promote
students’ motivation in learning English? So we should have a general understanding of learning motivation in
order to understand students to learn behaviors comprehensively.
1.3 Factors of the Junior Students and the Teachers
For students, firstly of all, the junior students are not perfect mentally. The world view, the outlook on life and
values are relatively immature. Second, the junior students have strong self-esteem, and sometimes they have a
little reverse psychology to the family and school education so that motivation education has enormous obstacles.
Third, the different students have the different experience and personalities so that the methods of motivation
education should be different. Then the motivation education for the junior students is doomed to need a great
work. In the methods of research, there is a large number of explorative works to be completed.
For teachers, the primary reason is that teachers do not pay sufficient attention to ideology. Some teachers
suppose that it is a waste of time to cultivate motivation for students. Another reason can be that teachers have
some misunderstandings. They think that the primary school when everyone has been so motivated to learned for
life should be the phase for students to cultivate motivation, while sometimes the junior students have been fixed
and then it is in vain to cultivate motivation for them.
The junior students have the initial psychological basis to carry out their ideals to the end and obtain the
corresponding ability to reserve. It is the key and transitional period from the unconscious motivation to
self-motivation. If the students can grasp this period well, they will be excellent and successful. Instead, they will
go into the opposite way. The instability of the junior students’ learning is the reflection of the amount of
motivation. That is why we must seize the opportunity to guide students in forming a clear and sustained
motivation. Motivation is the internal cause and the external cause functions owing to the internal cause, so the
teachers’ guidance should be natural, but strongly imposed on students.
2. Literature Review
2.1 Studies on Learning Motivation Abroad and Home
Motivation has been considered as one of important factors influencing the success of second language learning.
About its definition different scholars hold different ideas, form different perspectives. Gardner (1985) defines
motivation as the combination of effort plus desire to achieve the goal of learning the language plus favorable
attitudes towards learning the language. This definition includes three components: (1) effort expanded to reach
the goal; (2) desire to achieve the goal; (3) favorable attitude towards learning language. “Motivation is a force
that energizes, sustains, and directs behavior toward a goal” (Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don, 2005:349).
Some researchers emphasize that goal is a part of motivation. Wen Qiufang (1996) thinks of motivation simply
as reasons and goals of learning English. He Zhaoxiong and Mei Deming (1999) define motivation as the
learner’s overall goal or orientation. Johnstone (1999) considers that motivation is a drive directed towards a
goal. Pintrich and Schunk (2002:4) think of motivation as “the process whereby goal directed activity is
instigated and sustained”, in which motivation is to start and keep the activity towards the goal. Williams and
Burden(1997)interpreted motivation as a state of cognitive and emotional arousal, which leads to a conscious
decision to act, and which gives rise to a period of sustained intellectual and/or physical effort in order to attain a
previously set goal. Some of them are learners’ internal factors, such as interest, curiosity, or a wish to succeed.
Others are external, such as the influence of the learning contexts, the learning situation and the influence of
other people. This internal-external distinction has played a significant role in many theories of motivation.
Gardner (1972) defines integrative reasons as those that indicate an interest in learning the language in order to
meet and communicate with members of the second language community. Instrumental reasons refer to those
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
138
reasons, which stress the pragmatic aspects of learning the second language, without any particular interest in
communicating with the second language community (Gardner Macintyre, 1992). As Crookes and Schmidt
(1991; 1996) defined, motivation is the learner’s orientation with regard to the goal of learning a second
language. Students develop a motivation to learn; they initiate learning activities, stay involved in a learning task
and exhibit a commitment to learning.
In the last two decades, quite a few Chinese scholars have also studied motivation and carried out some
researches among Chinese students. The researches contribute to motivation studies. They finds that learning
motivation is closely related to learning confidence, and that motivation and confidence are related to learning
strategies. They also investigated learning motivation among French majors, aiming to make clear the
relationship between motivation and other factors. Wen Qiufang (2001) reports a study on developmental
patterns of modifiable learner variables and their relations based on the questionnaire data. The research results
indicate that the relations among the variables such motivation, beliefs and strategies are fairly stable. Hao Mei
and Hao Ruoping (2001) all research the relationship between English achievement and achievement motivation
as well as anxiety state. Wu Heping (2001) and Wen Qiufang (2001) study the internal structure of EFL
motivation, and concluded the relationship between motivation and causal attribution, interest in English
self-efficacy, the learning purpose, goal orientations and efforts. The research on motivation is essential to
teachers. If teachers do not understand students’ foreign language learning motivation, then it is very difficult for
them to complete foreign language teaching tasks outstandingly. How do we arouse and keep middle school
students’ learning motivation? Some teachers think that to give students proper reward; some teachers think that
the entrance examination plays an important role in students’ learning motivation and it is important to give
students proper reward.
2.2 Main Types of Motivation
Gardner and Lambert (1959) made the well-known distinction between integrative orientations and instrumental
orientations in motivation. Instrumental motivation is generally characterized by the desire to obtain something
practical or concrete from the study of a second language (Hudson, 2000). Integrative motivation is characterized
by the learner’s positive attitudes towards the target language group and comes into play when one desires to
become a part of a community that uses the target language in social situations.
The intrinsic/extrinsic distinction has been influential in studies of motivation, and these concepts have been
used in various attempts to explain differences in motivation among different learners. An intrinsically motivated
student learns because he or she wants to learn. “Intrinsic motivation is the motivation to be involved in an
activity for its own sake” (Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don, 2005:398). VanLier (1996) defines intrinsic motivation in
terms of drive theories: certain basic psychological needs which are innate in the human being. It is important to
note that it is intrinsic motivation that is engendered by the learning process itself. Those views are encouraging
to language teachers, owing to the fact that some students bring no intrinsic motivation to the classroom. As the
language “teachers, our task is to maximize the stimulation of students” intrinsic motivation, while extrinsic
motivation can be used to marshal the productive forces of intrinsic motivation. “Extrinsic motivation is a
standing invitation to students to adopt a surface approach.”(Biggs, 2002:61). The students focus on their
performance and the value or the importance that they attach to the outcome. “Extrinsic motivation is
characterized as the motivation to engage in an activity as a means to an end.”(Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don,
2005:349). An extrinsically motivated student performs in order to receive a reward, such as graduating or
passing a test or avoiding a penalty like a failing grade. Extrinsic motivation is stimulated not by the process
itself but by what can be got from doing the action. At the same time, the junior middle school students’ learning
motivation are influenced by the intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, but extrinsic motivation affect
mainly. The dominated intrinsic motivation including curiosity, thirst for knowledge, interest and competition etc;
the dominated extrinsic motivation including current incentives, strengthening attract, desperate for peer
recognition and admiration. (An Min, 2010)
2.3 Theories of Learning Motivation
There are several theories of learning motivation. Different scholars clarify motivation into different categories.
Bandura (1986) defined self-efficacy as individuals’ confidence in their abilities to organize mad execute a given
course of action to solve a problem or accomplish a task. Attribution theory suggests that the elements, to which
a person attributes his successes and failures, influence his expectations for future success and hence affect
motivations. Atkinson(1964) developed motivation theories which were based on the following formula:
Motivation (M) =Perceived probability of Success (Ps) x Incentive value of success (Is) Locke & Latham(1990)
put forward the Goal-setting theory, holding that the individual’s behavior is decided by its goal, the individual
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
139
will have a choice to settle goal, and effort for it before taking action.
The teachers’ encouragement is also an important factor to influence goal-setting and goal-commitment. If a
student lacks self-confidence, the teacher’s encouragement will help the student realize his own ability or
advantage, which will motivate the student to set a goal. Therefore, each individual should set goals that can
challenge difficulties; however, they should not beyond their capabilities. Teachers should give rewards to
students to increase students’ self-efficacy for obtaining the goal, and help students set clear, reasonable goals
because goals serve to motivate behavior. Students are more likely to work towards clear, specific, moderately
difficult goals, because they perceive them as challenging but attainable. So teachers should master some
important implications from the above goal-based theories, and establish proper goals for students and encourage
them to focus on learning improving.
Learning motivation has three basic functions (Wu xinchun, 1999): (1) Stimulating function. Once learners have
certain learning motivation, in a certain condition, this incentive will stimulate learners to learn activities. (2)
Pointing to the function. Learning motivation can make learners for certain learning objectives and learning. (3)
Maintaining and regulating function. When learning activities, keep this active learning motivation will for
certain learning goals. And adjust the learning of the intensity and duration. Each individual realize learning
goals, and motivate to pursue the current learning activities, and to achieve our learning goals. Learning
motivation can drive the organism to maintain or strengthen learning activities, or conversion activity direction
in order to achieve the ultimate goal.(Yao xiaoting&Mao lingling, 2010: Huang Qian, 2012). Therefore,
motivation can help students to improve themselves, the study with questionnaire, which is necessary to research
the student’s English learning motivation.
3. Research Design
3.1 Objectives and Research Questions
The study was conducted to measure some social and psychological variables affecting students’ English
learning. The variables discussed in this paper are students’ interest in English, attitudes to English-speaking
people, integrative, instrumental, motivational intensity, students’ goals, parental encouragement and different
attributions. To measure these variables, I modified some questions to constitute my questionnaire(see the
appendix). I translated these questions into Chinese because I did not want students to have comprehension
difficulties in the way of the measurement procedure 45students from No.5 Middle School of Gejiu was
encouraged to answer the questions as honestly as possible in order to promote the validity of the responses. I
want to find out that is motivation related to students’ grades. Namely, I want to find out the answers to the
following questions:
1. Whether or not students’ interest in English affects their learning motivation and achievements?
2. What are the main factors affecting students learning English?
3.2 Subjects
The subjects in this study were 45 junior middle school students from NO.5 Middle School of Gejiu. Most of
them came from the countryside and boys were more than girls. There are 21girls and 24 boys. Their ages ranged
from 13 to15 and most of them were 14. They started learning English in primary school. They are in Grade
Eight. I divided the students into two groups according to the marks of the Gejiu Final Examination last term:
Group One is the middle level students (22), Group Two is the other students (23). In addition, all of them were
my students which may make them respond the questionnaire cautiously and responsibly. Considering the above
aspects, on the whole, the subjects may represent the average middle school students in this school.
3.3 Instruments
This research adopts a questionnaire. Questionnaire for students is used to express and verify the research
questions. One of the purposes of the study is to identify student motivation. In this circumstance, questionnaire
is the most appropriate way to get data. In addition, in questionnaire students need not sign their names and shy
students can also show their ideas without any embarrassment, which is possible to get the true data.
3.4 Data Collection
The questionnaire was taken during regular class time by the author. Before the students answered the questions,
some necessary instructions had been given on what the aim of the questionnaire was and how to answer the
questionnaire and so forth by the author so that all the students can accomplish the questions with the right
attitude and right ways. They were required to answer the questions honestly and accurately by themselves. The
author explained that they need not write down their names on the questionnaire and all their information would
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
140
be kept as secret.
After the data were collected, they were carefully examined once more to guarantee that all of them are valid for
study. Because of the authors’ knowledge limitation in statistics, all the data was analyzed by EXCEL.
4. Data Collection and Analysis
4.1 Results and Analysis
The author collected and analyzed those 45 valid questionnaire accomplished by 45 students in Gejiu NO.5
Junior Middle School. For the questionnaire, from the question 1 to 8, 8 questions which are showed on the
following table.
Proportion↑ Results of question 1-8
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
a
b
c
d
e
Questions→
Figure 1.
It is obvious in the chart as the second question that illustrate 60% participants spent half an hour to learn
English in their daily life; but only 3.3% of them spend more than one hour to learn English. When it comes to
students’ motivation, 46.7% students are sometimes internal motivation learning in their daily life. And 40%
students can learn by themselves spontaneously. The sixth question shows that 56.7% students are no feeling
about learning English. According to the eighth question, 36.7% shows that goal-setting is the main factor of
students’ motivation in learning English. 23.3% students can strive for the learning goal. From the seventh
question, 50% students expect to communicate with other in English. Most students consider that they expect to
get high grade in learning English, which contains 36.7%. And, the first question and the fourth question show
that the most students are the middle level in the class, which 43.3% are confidence about learning English well.
Some students think that they have some confidences to learn English well. The third questions shows that
53.3% students believe the importance of learning English, 36.7% students think that learning English is more
important. The sixth question indicates that 56.7% students are unconsciousness about learning English.
Table 1. Results of the ninth question
Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e Item f Item g Item h Item i
66.7% 40% 23.3% 36.7% 16.7% 16.7% 23.3% 3% 0
For the ninth question, 66.7% shows that most students’ learning motivation is the main source of take good
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
141
result in the examination. The other main sources of learning motivation are 40% students get/avoid parents and
teacher of praise/punishment, 23.3% students consider that English is interesting, 36.7% students want to go
abroad or to find good job in the future, and 20% students have their own opinions.
Table 2. Results of the tenth question
Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e
46.7% 16.7% 40% 13.3% 0
The tenth question, students achievement, 46.7% indicates that the teacher should teach well, they create a
relaxed and happy atmosphere so student can learn English well. And 40% are parents and teachers paying more
attention on students’ learning English.
Table 3. Results of the eleventh question
Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e
66.7% 40% 23.3% 36.7% 0
The eleventh question, 66.7% tells us that learning is not good, because the English class is boring, and 40% for
students’ laziness, and 36.7% for lacking of English environment.
For the twelfth question, students give teachers lots of advice; the most important is effective classroom
atmosphere. And students interest in English songs that they learn from the song lyrics. The teacher can have a
flexible and effective method to help students learning English. The teachers can tell stories about English or
foreign fairy tale. And the teacher also can give students more time for active discussion and practice English.
4.2 Discussions of the Results
According to the survey, most students have a relatively clear study motivation. Students can realize the
importance of learning English. Students think that learning motivation is the main sources to get good grades in
the examination; some students get/avoid parents and teacher of praise/punishment; to go abroad or to find good
job in the future; the role of learning is to improve their own quality. Those can answer the second question. And
those also are the students’ interest in English affects their learning motivation and achievements. The Junior
Middle school students’ English learning motivation level is not high, on the whole are largely instrumental
motivation. It is a long-term “exam-oriented education system” that forces the English teaching should keep an
eye on the test scores, yet “high score low-intelligence phenomenon universal existence”. To cope with the
examination, teachers teach students problem solving skills, students practice problem solving skills, students
focus almost entirely on how to deal with the test. Therefore, we should pay attention to training and induction
the students’ intrinsic motivation of English learning for middle school students. And to improve middle school
students' English learning initiative and self-consciousness. Students’ interest plays an important part in English
learning. Their interest in English affects their English learning and achievements. If students show great interest
in English, they will hold positive attitudes towards English-speaking people and towards learning English.
Therefore, teachers should take any possible measures to arouse student’s curiosity and develop their interest in
English learning.
According to the analysis, we can see that motivation is very essential in students’ learning English in junior
middle school. The methods to excite students’ English learning motivation are necessary.
5. Some Suggestions to Students and Teachers
5.1 Suggestions to the Students
For students, the students who use a variety of ways and activities can promote learning English. The students
should believe that they need motivation to help them learning English. Setting up the right self-concept and
clear and concrete study goal play an important role. The learning goal is clear that the goal can encourage
people to struggle for it, unremitting, insist on reaching the purpose.
(1) Students set right goal in English learning. Zhan Lu (2012) put forward that the clear goal of study and the
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
142
stage for students help them to realize goal one by one. The goal is students’ striving direction, and the standard
appraised and sign improved in study. To make students fully realize the value of English learning. Establishing
the goal of learning English, and develop strong interest in learning English.
(2) Students establish self-confidence. The students cultivate self-confidence and focuses on training themselves
to ask questions, find problems, the ability to solve the problem. And the students can think seriously and
actively answer questions, guide the students’ divergent thinking and innovative consciousness.
(3) Students take part in activity groups. In English classroom, the students should pay attention to join group
activities. And the students launch the activity; they can have more opportunity to learn English.
(4) Students developing strong interest in learning English. Interest is one of the important conditions of learning
English. Only the students who are determined to learn English well can generate strong interest in learning, so
they will be happy and efficient to learn English and obtain good effect of learning English.
(5) Students master study method and form good learning habits. The correct learning methods and skills in
English learning is an important guarantee of the best effect. In addition, a good habit can help students
effectively learning. Students in learning English should pay attention to develop spoken English, autonomous
learning English and good writing habits.
5.2 Suggestions to the Teachers
For teacher, as an organizer or leader in teaching, teachers have responsibilities to increase their students’
inclination to perform willingly and actively in English learning. As the old saying goes: “In ancient times those
who wanted to learn would seek out a teacher, one who could propagate the doctrine, impart professional
knowledge, and resolve doubts.” Meanwhile, teacher should establish good teacher-student relationship with
students. Teacher's role can be from focus knowledge to changes in the development of students. (Wu Baoming,
2009)
At the same time, it is proved that teacher could expound every creation purpose, meaning of knowledge among
classroom instruction to test, make students realize the obvious value of knowledge and the knowledge can
attract students to yield the prospective future and try their best to achieve it. So the English teacher should try to
improve the charm of English, improve the temptation of learning English as well, and help students to fully
realize the importance of English.
(1) Teacher should use various and interesting activities in whole class, in small groups or in pair, which can
attract students’ attention.
(2) Apply new and effective techniques--multi-media, e-learning, not only in print but also audio and visual that
arouses students’ curiosity and interest and also promote their intrinsic motivation. Adopting cooperative
activities that can keep students feel safe and can stimulate their emotion.
(3) Teacher should create a harmonious and co-operative classroom atmosphere to lighten students’ anxiety.
Creating a student-centered environment is important, but not enough. A good class climate is vital to the success
of the student-centered method.
(4) Effective teaching and classroom management are relative (Huang Qian, 2012). Teachers can not only perfect
in English but also good at managing the students. It is well know “Interest is the best teacher”. In the classroom
teachers must be good at arousing students’ learning motivation and interests, enhancing their consciousness of
participation in classroom activities, especially, stimulating students’ interest in learning English and making
them “happy” in a pleasant situation. From “want me to learn” into “I want to learn” to “I love to learn”. (Zhao
Chaojian, 2012) The cultivation of middle school students’ learning motivation requires teachers to excite
students’ learning interest in the course of adopting the valid organization teaching methods.
(5) Make efforts to provide more communicative opportunities. The teacher must give students high expectation
and use rewards appropriately that the outward power can stimulate students’ English learning on the basis of
extrinsic motivation theory. Meanwhile, teacher provides opportunities for students to experience the success.
The combination of listening, speaking, reading and writing may be the most effective skill activity, the more
ways we can give our students to use English, the more likely we are to keep all our students motivated and
successful.
6. Conclusion
There are some limitations of the present study. Based on questionnaire in this research is possible not to cover
all aspects of motivation variables. In other words, the questionnaire is not comprehensive enough. The larger
the sample size is, the more reliable the research will be. Although 45 junior middle school students are selected,
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
143
the number is only a small size analyzed with the whole number.
The above study and discussion show that many students have a strong instrumental motivation in their English
learning. Most of them prefer short-term goals to long-term goals. On the other hand, students generally have
higher desire and commitment to learning English despite a lot of difficulties facing them. In order to enhance
the motivational behaviors of these students, the author provides some suggestions, for example, developing
students’ interests in learning English, training learning strategies and promoting students’ self-efficacy. It is
expected that the findings obtained in the study can be helpful for English teachers to have a better
understanding of their students, and the suggestions offered in the paper can be a contribution to the
improvement of English teaching.
In conclusion, all the teachers and students must spare no effort to work hard in the process of teaching and
learning. The most important thing is that spur students’ motivation to heighten the teaching effect in English
teaching and learning so as to the students’ English practical ability.
References
Atkinson, J. W. (1964). An Introduction to Motivation Princeton. N.J.: Van Nostrand.
Ausubel, David, A. (1968). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston.
Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action. A social-cognitive view Englewood Cliffs. N.J.:
Prentice Hall.
Biggs, J. (2002). Teaching for Quality Learning at University. The Society for Resrarch into Higher Education &
Open University Press.
Crookes, Q. (1991).“Second language speech production research: a methodologically oriented review”. Studies
in Second Language Acquisition 13.
Gardner, R. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitude and Motivation.
London: Edward Arnold.
Gardner. R. C., & P. D. MacIntyre. (1992). “A student’s constructions to second language Learning.” Language
Teaching, 25.
Gardner, R., & W. Lambert. (1959). ‘Motivational variables in second language acquisition ’Canadian Journal
of Psychology.
Gardner. R., & W. Lambert. (1972). Attitudes and motivation in Second Language Learning Rowley, Mass:
Newbury House.
Huang, Qian. (2012). Action Research on Motivation in English Reading. Theory and Practice in Language
studies, 2(8), 1755-1760.
Hudson, G. (2000). Essential introductory linguistics.UK:Blackwell Publishers.
Johnstone, K. (1999). Research on Language Learning and Teaching, (1997-78). Language Learning.
Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.:
Prentice Hall.
Paul, Eggen., & Kauchak, Don. (2005). Educational Psychology: Windows on Classroom, Shangxi: Shangxi
Normal University Press.
Pintrich, Pant, R., & Dale, H. Schunk. (2002). Motivation in Education: Theory, Research, and Applications.
Upper Saddle River: Merrill/Prentice Hall.
Schmidt. (1996). Foreign Language Motivation: Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Centre.
Van, Lier, L. (1996). interaction in the language curriculum:Awareness, Autonomy and Authenticity, London:
Longman.
Williams, M., & R.L.Burden. (1997). Psychology for Language Teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University
Press.
An Min. (2010). On Training and Stimulate Students Learning Motivation, Modern Reading. The ninth perid.
He Zhaoxiong, & Mei deming. (1999). Modern Linguistics. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research
Press.
Haomei, Hao Ruoping. (2001). Reseach on English achievement and achievement motivation state anxiety,
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
144
Foreign Language Teaching and Research. The second period.
Wen Qiufang. (1996). English Learnig Strategies. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Lanuage Press.
Wen Qiufang. (2001). English Learners’ Motivation, Idea, Change the Rules and characteristics of Strategy, 33,
the second period.
Wen Qiufang, & Wang Haixiao. (1996). The Relationship between Learner Factors and the Univerty English
Four Leavels of Examination. Foreign Language Teaching and Research.
Wu Heping. (2001). Second Language Learning Motivation in Foreign Study in the ninety. Foreign Language
Teaching and Research, the second period.
Wu Baoming. (2009). On the Change of Teacher’s role under the Background of New Curriculum. Journal of
Hubei College of Adult Education, 15, the sixth period.
Wu Xinchun. (1999). Higher education psychology, Beijing: Higher education press.
Yao Xiaoting, & Mao Lingling. (2010). Study on Stimulating English Learning Motivation, Journal of Wuxi
Instite of Commerce, 10, the ninth period.
Zhao Chaojian. (2012). Stimulate the English learning motivation of junior high school, Foreign Language
Teaching and Research, the third period.
Zhan Lu. (2012). The Methods to Excite Students English Learning Motivation,Teaching Theory and Practice.
Appendix
下面是本人在 2013 年 2 月至 3 月于个旧市第五中学实习时对八年级 45 名学生的关于激发英语学习动机
的问卷调查:
亲爱的同学:
你好!这是一份关于初中生英语学习动机的调查问卷。调查的目的是为了进一步了解初中生英语学习现
状,培养英语学习兴趣,提高学习效率。希望你认真阅读此问卷,按照你的真实情况选择。问卷仅作调
查研究使用,答案没有对错之分;问卷填写采用不记名方式;对你填写的内容我们将采取严格的保密措
施,希望你能真实填写。谢谢你的配合,祝你身体健康、学习进步!
最后,感谢你的支持和配合!
年级______ 性别________
选择题(每题只选出最符合自己情况的一个答案)
1、你自己的英语成绩在班上属于 ( )
a. 好 b. 上 c. 中 d. 中下 e. 差
2、除了上英语课,你每天自觉花在英语学习上的时间是 ( )
a. 超过一个小时 b. 约 1 小时 c. 半个小时 d. 几乎不花时间
3、 你认为英语重要性 ( )
a.很重要 b. 较重要 c. 不重要 d. 没用
4、你对学好英语的信心 ( )
a. 充满信心 b. 一般 c. 有些信心 d. 没有信心
5、你平常是否会主动学习英语?( )
a. 经常 b. 有时 c.很少 d.从不
6、你学习英语时有什么感觉? ( )
a. 很快乐 b. 比较快乐 c. 没感觉 d.痛苦
7、你对自己英语水平的期待 ( )
a.考试得高分 b.能用英语流利的交流 c.差不多就可以 d. 无所谓
8、你会给自己的英语学习确定目标,然后朝着目标努力吗?( )
a. 每次都会 b. 有时 c.很少 d.从不
9、你的学习动机来源主要是(可多选)( )
www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013
145
a.在考试中取得好成绩 b. 获得/避免家长和老师的表扬/惩罚 c. 英语很有趣 d. 为将来出国或找好
工作 e 老师经常鼓励我 f 我想看英文电影,小说上网等 g 大家都在学习英语 h 我喜欢英语老师 i 其它
__________
10、我英语学好主要是因为(可多选)( )
a. 老师教的好,创造轻松愉快的氛围 b. 我们的英语老师好,我喜欢他 (她) c. 父母老师都很重视
d.我付出了许多时间和精力 e. 其他 __________
11、我英语学的不好主要是因为(可多选)( )
a.英语课枯燥,没兴趣 b. 自己懒惰 c. 缺少运用英语的环境
d.缺乏好的学习方法 e 其他___________
12、你认为英语教师如何做更能激发你的学习动机?或者在英语学习中,你有什么好的方法或经验?(至
少一条)
__________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
再次感谢你的大力合作! 祝你学习进步!
Copyrights
Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal.
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution
license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without
permission.

More Related Content

What's hot

eng 2Course outline
eng 2Course outlineeng 2Course outline
eng 2Course outlinedanielsong15
 
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...Alexander Decker
 
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices a case study
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices  a case studyReflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices  a case study
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices a case studyNur Raieda Ainul Maslih
 
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...AJHSSR Journal
 
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01Alison Tsai
 
Action Research Final
Action Research FinalAction Research Final
Action Research FinalDonald Lance
 
2014 ts knowledge of r n w
2014 ts knowledge of r n w2014 ts knowledge of r n w
2014 ts knowledge of r n wMagdy Mahdy
 
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic Achievement
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic AchievementFinal Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic Achievement
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic AchievementBeth Csiszer
 
Rp sample full text (lily)
Rp sample full text (lily)Rp sample full text (lily)
Rp sample full text (lily)Hafizul Mukhlis
 
Action research for Strategic Intervention Materials
Action research for Strategic Intervention MaterialsAction research for Strategic Intervention Materials
Action research for Strategic Intervention MaterialsKristine Barredo
 
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...Alexander Decker
 
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)Regina Nunez
 
Research on ged 103 (1)
Research on ged 103 (1)Research on ged 103 (1)
Research on ged 103 (1)Maveh de Mesa
 
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-Research proposal defense-powerpoint-
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-sanimuhammad001
 
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...Stoic Mills
 
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and AssessmentThe Impact of Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and AssessmentMary Fenby-Rocks
 
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate InstructionsSunflower Chin
 
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2WENDELL TARAYA
 
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)Hafizul Mukhlis
 

What's hot (20)

eng 2Course outline
eng 2Course outlineeng 2Course outline
eng 2Course outline
 
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...
Jordanian teachers' attitudes toward foreign language teaching and their rela...
 
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices a case study
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices  a case studyReflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices  a case study
Reflecting on esl teacher beliefs and classroom practices a case study
 
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...
 
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01
Thesis proposal defense 2011.06.01
 
Action Research Final
Action Research FinalAction Research Final
Action Research Final
 
2014 ts knowledge of r n w
2014 ts knowledge of r n w2014 ts knowledge of r n w
2014 ts knowledge of r n w
 
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic Achievement
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic AchievementFinal Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic Achievement
Final Using Peer Tutoring Strategies to Increase Mathematic Achievement
 
Rp sample full text (lily)
Rp sample full text (lily)Rp sample full text (lily)
Rp sample full text (lily)
 
Ts lang errors
Ts lang errorsTs lang errors
Ts lang errors
 
Action research for Strategic Intervention Materials
Action research for Strategic Intervention MaterialsAction research for Strategic Intervention Materials
Action research for Strategic Intervention Materials
 
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...
Influences of the pedagogical content knowledge of graduate social studies te...
 
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)
TEACHINGANDLEARNINGSTRATEGIESTOGETCHILDRENEXCITEDABOUTLEARNING (1)
 
Research on ged 103 (1)
Research on ged 103 (1)Research on ged 103 (1)
Research on ged 103 (1)
 
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-Research proposal defense-powerpoint-
Research proposal defense-powerpoint-
 
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...
Use of-motivational-expressions-as-positive-reinforcement-in-learning-english...
 
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and AssessmentThe Impact of Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
The Impact of Differentiated Instruction and Assessment
 
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions
3. Teacher's Guide to Differentiate Instructions
 
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2
DESIGN HEARING ON DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION CHAPTER 2
 
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)
Fe practice 2 coping strat (1)
 

Viewers also liked

Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...
Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...
Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...Alexander Decker
 
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...Tapan Dutta
 
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram mills
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram millsA study on employee motivation at prabhuram mills
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram millsSubodh G Krishna
 
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"Mahamudul Alam
 
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”fiza91
 
Motivation techniques
Motivation techniquesMotivation techniques
Motivation techniquesZainab Muneer
 
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECT
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECTEmployee motivation FOR MBA FROJECT
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECTJohn Ap
 
employee motivation
employee motivationemployee motivation
employee motivationravi2907
 

Viewers also liked (9)

Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...
Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...
Studentsí» motivation and instructorsí» technology use in higher education a ...
 
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ACHIVEMENT MOTIVATION AND SELF CONCEPT AMONG VOLLEYBALL ...
 
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram mills
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram millsA study on employee motivation at prabhuram mills
A study on employee motivation at prabhuram mills
 
Motivation at work (research study)
Motivation at work (research study)Motivation at work (research study)
Motivation at work (research study)
 
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"
Employee Motivation 'Bangladesh institute of management (BIM)"
 
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”
“A Study on various techniques of motivation of employees”
 
Motivation techniques
Motivation techniquesMotivation techniques
Motivation techniques
 
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECT
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECTEmployee motivation FOR MBA FROJECT
Employee motivation FOR MBA FROJECT
 
employee motivation
employee motivationemployee motivation
employee motivation
 

Similar to The Study of Student Motivation on English Learning in Junior Middle School -- A Case Study of No.5 Middle School in Gejiu

A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...
A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...
A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...Robin Beregovska
 
大四論文Motivation(Iris)
大四論文Motivation(Iris)大四論文Motivation(Iris)
大四論文Motivation(Iris)IrisChen
 
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...Alexander Decker
 
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...Juvrianto Chrissunday Jakob
 
Generating Student Motivation Michael Rost
Generating Student Motivation Michael RostGenerating Student Motivation Michael Rost
Generating Student Motivation Michael RostSedigh (Sid) Mohammadi
 
Learner and teacher full
Learner and teacher fullLearner and teacher full
Learner and teacher fullSodat Chea
 
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGE
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGEATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGE
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGEAndrew Molina
 
Protocolo Presentation
Protocolo PresentationProtocolo Presentation
Protocolo PresentationAstrid Madera
 
Action Research In The Language Classroom Motivating Teenage Learners
Action Research In The Language Classroom  Motivating Teenage LearnersAction Research In The Language Classroom  Motivating Teenage Learners
Action Research In The Language Classroom Motivating Teenage LearnersKayla Smith
 
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...Hooi Shyan
 
Presentation (1)
Presentation (1)Presentation (1)
Presentation (1)縈楨 林
 
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readThe students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readsuyansah
 
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readThe students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readWardaDin1
 
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqi
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqiDealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqi
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqiLinaCovington707
 

Similar to The Study of Student Motivation on English Learning in Junior Middle School -- A Case Study of No.5 Middle School in Gejiu (20)

A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...
A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...
A Survey Study Of Motivation In English Language Learning Of First Year Under...
 
大四論文Motivation(Iris)
大四論文Motivation(Iris)大四論文Motivation(Iris)
大四論文Motivation(Iris)
 
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...
Students’ motivation for and attitudes towards self access language learning ...
 
Learn english language
Learn english languageLearn english language
Learn english language
 
11.learn english language
11.learn english language11.learn english language
11.learn english language
 
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...
STUDENTS’ MOTIVATION AND ATTITUDE IN LEARNING ENGLISH USING COMPUTER ASSISTED...
 
Generating Student Motivation Michael Rost
Generating Student Motivation Michael RostGenerating Student Motivation Michael Rost
Generating Student Motivation Michael Rost
 
intakhab_arab world journal
intakhab_arab world journalintakhab_arab world journal
intakhab_arab world journal
 
Learner and teacher full
Learner and teacher fullLearner and teacher full
Learner and teacher full
 
Language Learning
Language LearningLanguage Learning
Language Learning
 
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGE
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGEATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGE
ATTITUDES AND MOTIVATIONS IN LEARNING ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGAUGE
 
Attitudinal factors among elementary school teacher education students
Attitudinal factors among elementary school teacher education studentsAttitudinal factors among elementary school teacher education students
Attitudinal factors among elementary school teacher education students
 
Protocolo Presentation
Protocolo PresentationProtocolo Presentation
Protocolo Presentation
 
Action Research In The Language Classroom Motivating Teenage Learners
Action Research In The Language Classroom  Motivating Teenage LearnersAction Research In The Language Classroom  Motivating Teenage Learners
Action Research In The Language Classroom Motivating Teenage Learners
 
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...
Exploring Differences in Motivation between Students Who Excelled and Under P...
 
Presentation (1)
Presentation (1)Presentation (1)
Presentation (1)
 
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readThe students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
 
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_readThe students language_learning_strategies_in_read
The students language_learning_strategies_in_read
 
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqi
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqiDealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqi
Dealing with learner reticence in thespeaking classXiuqi
 
TP Final Project_Manal
TP Final Project_ManalTP Final Project_Manal
TP Final Project_Manal
 

Recently uploaded

call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️9953056974 Low Rate Call Girls In Saket, Delhi NCR
 
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17Celine George
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxNirmalaLoungPoorunde1
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfphamnguyenenglishnb
 
Roles & Responsibilities in Pharmacovigilance
Roles & Responsibilities in PharmacovigilanceRoles & Responsibilities in Pharmacovigilance
Roles & Responsibilities in PharmacovigilanceSamikshaHamane
 
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptx
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptxRomantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptx
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptxsqpmdrvczh
 
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptx
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptxGrade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptx
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptxChelloAnnAsuncion2
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Educationpboyjonauth
 
Full Stack Web Development Course for Beginners
Full Stack Web Development Course  for BeginnersFull Stack Web Development Course  for Beginners
Full Stack Web Development Course for BeginnersSabitha Banu
 
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfFraming an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfUjwalaBharambe
 
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptx
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptxSolving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptx
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptxOH TEIK BIN
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatYousafMalik24
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Mark Reed
 
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfSpandanaRallapalli
 
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptx
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptxPlanning a health career 4th Quarter.pptx
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptxLigayaBacuel1
 
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........LeaCamillePacle
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxTypes of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxEyham Joco
 
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.arsicmarija21
 
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersDATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersSabitha Banu
 

Recently uploaded (20)

call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
call girls in Kamla Market (DELHI) 🔝 >༒9953330565🔝 genuine Escort Service 🔝✔️✔️
 
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17
Computed Fields and api Depends in the Odoo 17
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
 
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdfAMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
AMERICAN LANGUAGE HUB_Level2_Student'sBook_Answerkey.pdf
 
Roles & Responsibilities in Pharmacovigilance
Roles & Responsibilities in PharmacovigilanceRoles & Responsibilities in Pharmacovigilance
Roles & Responsibilities in Pharmacovigilance
 
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptx
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptxRomantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptx
Romantic Opera MUSIC FOR GRADE NINE pptx
 
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptx
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptxGrade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptx
Grade 9 Q4-MELC1-Active and Passive Voice.pptx
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
 
Full Stack Web Development Course for Beginners
Full Stack Web Development Course  for BeginnersFull Stack Web Development Course  for Beginners
Full Stack Web Development Course for Beginners
 
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdfFraming an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
Framing an Appropriate Research Question 6b9b26d93da94caf993c038d9efcdedb.pdf
 
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptx
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptxSolving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptx
Solving Puzzles Benefits Everyone (English).pptx
 
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice greatEarth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
Earth Day Presentation wow hello nice great
 
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
Influencing policy (training slides from Fast Track Impact)
 
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdfACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
ACC 2024 Chronicles. Cardiology. Exam.pdf
 
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptx
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptxPlanning a health career 4th Quarter.pptx
Planning a health career 4th Quarter.pptx
 
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........
Atmosphere science 7 quarter 4 .........
 
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
Field Attribute Index Feature in Odoo 17
 
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptxTypes of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
Types of Journalistic Writing Grade 8.pptx
 
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.
AmericanHighSchoolsprezentacijaoskolama.
 
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginnersDATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
DATA STRUCTURE AND ALGORITHM for beginners
 

The Study of Student Motivation on English Learning in Junior Middle School -- A Case Study of No.5 Middle School in Gejiu

  • 1. English Language Teaching; Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 ISSN 1916-4742 E-ISSN 1916-4750 Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education 136 The Study of Student Motivation on English Learning in Junior Middle School -- A Case Study of No.5 Middle School in Gejiu Chunmei Long1 , Zhu Ming1 & Liping Chen1 1 College of Foreign Languages, Yunnan Agricultural University, China Correspondence: Liping Chen, Yunnan Province, Kunming 650201, China. Tel: 86-0871-6522-7828. E-mail: lcmhope@126.com Received: May 28, 2013 Accepted: June 17, 2013 Online Published: August 15, 2013 doi:10.5539/elt.v6n9p136 URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/elt.v6n9p136 Abstract Motivation plays an important role in foreign language learning. Learning motivation is to promote and guide and maintain learning activities which have been conducted an internal strength or internal mechanism. Learning motivation once formed, the student will use an active learning attitude to learn, and express a keen interest in learning, and can focus attention in class to master knowledge. Through the study of the theory of modern education, this paper discusses the definition of motivation, types of motivation; the role of motivation in English learning are analyzed. The subjects in the thesis are Gejiu middle school students, and the author designed a questionnaire on English motivation. The purpose of the study was to find out the unfavorable factors. According to the results and the related theory, the author presents some suggestions to arouse the students’ English motivation and improve the efficiency of English learning and teaching in Junior Middle School. Among the suggestions, the implications by the study include that students need motivation to help them learning English, they should establish the right goal to enhance them learning English well. Meanwhile, as an organizer in teaching, teacher should pay more attention to communicative learning that can stimulate students to learn effectively. Key words: learning motivation, junior middle school student, English learning 1. Introduction 1.1 Background In recent years in China, learning English has been prevalent and it has become more popular and urgent as China has joined World Trade Organization (WTO), and China has held the 2010 Shanghai World Expo successfully. As a global language, English is becoming more and more important in international cooperation and communication so English learning is getting more and more popular in China. Therefore, motivation plays an important role in foreign learning. Learning motivation is to promote, guide and maintain learning activities which have been conducted an internal strength or internal mechanism. Learning motivation once formed, the student will use an initiative study attitude to learn, and express a keen interest in learning, and can focus attention in class to master knowledge. But also the student will have a kind of motivation to make state of attention, especially in the process of learning. Learning motivation that there is a dialectical relationship, which learning can produce motivation, and motivation can promote learning again, as Ausubel (1968) says, there is the complementary typically relationship between Motivation and Learning. Thus, learning motivation plays an essential role in learning English. In the course of learning foreign languages, students with strong motivation can always make good achievements while students without intrinsic motivation are often losers of language learning. In addition, the English learners have become younger and younger. English has been a compulsory subject in middle school for a long time. As for the junior students, students need motivations in learning a foreign language. Moreover, teachers should know the psychological theory and the process of English learning in order to encourage and enhance students’ English learning. Learners’ motivation plays a crucial part in learning English. Indeed, the role of learners’ motivation in learning has been examined by many researchers who are interested in this subject area. Gardner (1985) seems to support this idea and point out that motivation in language learning is of particular importance. He indicates that the
  • 2. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 137 motivation of foreign language learning contains four aspects: a goal, effortful behavior, a desire to attain the goal and attitude. Students who have strong learning motivation take a correct and positive attitude towards study and make great efforts to master English with clear goal and desire and consequently gain better grade. It is true that motivation is such a basic factor in language learning that no teacher could avoid being concerned with students’ motivation. Therefore, teachers and students also pay more attention to motivation, which can drive students to learn English actively. 1.2 Problem Statement and Research Questions Learners’ motivation of learning a language is considered as a crucial factor influencing the achievement and proficiency of learning. If a student is given motivation, student can learn a language better and can last the learning enthusiasm longer. Without motivation nobody can achieve the long-term goal of learning a language. High achievement-motivation is one of factors that cause successful learning may cause high motivation as well. Foreign language teachers want to stimulate students’ learning motivation very much. How do we promote students’ motivation in learning English? So we should have a general understanding of learning motivation in order to understand students to learn behaviors comprehensively. 1.3 Factors of the Junior Students and the Teachers For students, firstly of all, the junior students are not perfect mentally. The world view, the outlook on life and values are relatively immature. Second, the junior students have strong self-esteem, and sometimes they have a little reverse psychology to the family and school education so that motivation education has enormous obstacles. Third, the different students have the different experience and personalities so that the methods of motivation education should be different. Then the motivation education for the junior students is doomed to need a great work. In the methods of research, there is a large number of explorative works to be completed. For teachers, the primary reason is that teachers do not pay sufficient attention to ideology. Some teachers suppose that it is a waste of time to cultivate motivation for students. Another reason can be that teachers have some misunderstandings. They think that the primary school when everyone has been so motivated to learned for life should be the phase for students to cultivate motivation, while sometimes the junior students have been fixed and then it is in vain to cultivate motivation for them. The junior students have the initial psychological basis to carry out their ideals to the end and obtain the corresponding ability to reserve. It is the key and transitional period from the unconscious motivation to self-motivation. If the students can grasp this period well, they will be excellent and successful. Instead, they will go into the opposite way. The instability of the junior students’ learning is the reflection of the amount of motivation. That is why we must seize the opportunity to guide students in forming a clear and sustained motivation. Motivation is the internal cause and the external cause functions owing to the internal cause, so the teachers’ guidance should be natural, but strongly imposed on students. 2. Literature Review 2.1 Studies on Learning Motivation Abroad and Home Motivation has been considered as one of important factors influencing the success of second language learning. About its definition different scholars hold different ideas, form different perspectives. Gardner (1985) defines motivation as the combination of effort plus desire to achieve the goal of learning the language plus favorable attitudes towards learning the language. This definition includes three components: (1) effort expanded to reach the goal; (2) desire to achieve the goal; (3) favorable attitude towards learning language. “Motivation is a force that energizes, sustains, and directs behavior toward a goal” (Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don, 2005:349). Some researchers emphasize that goal is a part of motivation. Wen Qiufang (1996) thinks of motivation simply as reasons and goals of learning English. He Zhaoxiong and Mei Deming (1999) define motivation as the learner’s overall goal or orientation. Johnstone (1999) considers that motivation is a drive directed towards a goal. Pintrich and Schunk (2002:4) think of motivation as “the process whereby goal directed activity is instigated and sustained”, in which motivation is to start and keep the activity towards the goal. Williams and Burden(1997)interpreted motivation as a state of cognitive and emotional arousal, which leads to a conscious decision to act, and which gives rise to a period of sustained intellectual and/or physical effort in order to attain a previously set goal. Some of them are learners’ internal factors, such as interest, curiosity, or a wish to succeed. Others are external, such as the influence of the learning contexts, the learning situation and the influence of other people. This internal-external distinction has played a significant role in many theories of motivation. Gardner (1972) defines integrative reasons as those that indicate an interest in learning the language in order to meet and communicate with members of the second language community. Instrumental reasons refer to those
  • 3. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 138 reasons, which stress the pragmatic aspects of learning the second language, without any particular interest in communicating with the second language community (Gardner Macintyre, 1992). As Crookes and Schmidt (1991; 1996) defined, motivation is the learner’s orientation with regard to the goal of learning a second language. Students develop a motivation to learn; they initiate learning activities, stay involved in a learning task and exhibit a commitment to learning. In the last two decades, quite a few Chinese scholars have also studied motivation and carried out some researches among Chinese students. The researches contribute to motivation studies. They finds that learning motivation is closely related to learning confidence, and that motivation and confidence are related to learning strategies. They also investigated learning motivation among French majors, aiming to make clear the relationship between motivation and other factors. Wen Qiufang (2001) reports a study on developmental patterns of modifiable learner variables and their relations based on the questionnaire data. The research results indicate that the relations among the variables such motivation, beliefs and strategies are fairly stable. Hao Mei and Hao Ruoping (2001) all research the relationship between English achievement and achievement motivation as well as anxiety state. Wu Heping (2001) and Wen Qiufang (2001) study the internal structure of EFL motivation, and concluded the relationship between motivation and causal attribution, interest in English self-efficacy, the learning purpose, goal orientations and efforts. The research on motivation is essential to teachers. If teachers do not understand students’ foreign language learning motivation, then it is very difficult for them to complete foreign language teaching tasks outstandingly. How do we arouse and keep middle school students’ learning motivation? Some teachers think that to give students proper reward; some teachers think that the entrance examination plays an important role in students’ learning motivation and it is important to give students proper reward. 2.2 Main Types of Motivation Gardner and Lambert (1959) made the well-known distinction between integrative orientations and instrumental orientations in motivation. Instrumental motivation is generally characterized by the desire to obtain something practical or concrete from the study of a second language (Hudson, 2000). Integrative motivation is characterized by the learner’s positive attitudes towards the target language group and comes into play when one desires to become a part of a community that uses the target language in social situations. The intrinsic/extrinsic distinction has been influential in studies of motivation, and these concepts have been used in various attempts to explain differences in motivation among different learners. An intrinsically motivated student learns because he or she wants to learn. “Intrinsic motivation is the motivation to be involved in an activity for its own sake” (Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don, 2005:398). VanLier (1996) defines intrinsic motivation in terms of drive theories: certain basic psychological needs which are innate in the human being. It is important to note that it is intrinsic motivation that is engendered by the learning process itself. Those views are encouraging to language teachers, owing to the fact that some students bring no intrinsic motivation to the classroom. As the language “teachers, our task is to maximize the stimulation of students” intrinsic motivation, while extrinsic motivation can be used to marshal the productive forces of intrinsic motivation. “Extrinsic motivation is a standing invitation to students to adopt a surface approach.”(Biggs, 2002:61). The students focus on their performance and the value or the importance that they attach to the outcome. “Extrinsic motivation is characterized as the motivation to engage in an activity as a means to an end.”(Paul Eggen&Kauchak Don, 2005:349). An extrinsically motivated student performs in order to receive a reward, such as graduating or passing a test or avoiding a penalty like a failing grade. Extrinsic motivation is stimulated not by the process itself but by what can be got from doing the action. At the same time, the junior middle school students’ learning motivation are influenced by the intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation, but extrinsic motivation affect mainly. The dominated intrinsic motivation including curiosity, thirst for knowledge, interest and competition etc; the dominated extrinsic motivation including current incentives, strengthening attract, desperate for peer recognition and admiration. (An Min, 2010) 2.3 Theories of Learning Motivation There are several theories of learning motivation. Different scholars clarify motivation into different categories. Bandura (1986) defined self-efficacy as individuals’ confidence in their abilities to organize mad execute a given course of action to solve a problem or accomplish a task. Attribution theory suggests that the elements, to which a person attributes his successes and failures, influence his expectations for future success and hence affect motivations. Atkinson(1964) developed motivation theories which were based on the following formula: Motivation (M) =Perceived probability of Success (Ps) x Incentive value of success (Is) Locke & Latham(1990) put forward the Goal-setting theory, holding that the individual’s behavior is decided by its goal, the individual
  • 4. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 139 will have a choice to settle goal, and effort for it before taking action. The teachers’ encouragement is also an important factor to influence goal-setting and goal-commitment. If a student lacks self-confidence, the teacher’s encouragement will help the student realize his own ability or advantage, which will motivate the student to set a goal. Therefore, each individual should set goals that can challenge difficulties; however, they should not beyond their capabilities. Teachers should give rewards to students to increase students’ self-efficacy for obtaining the goal, and help students set clear, reasonable goals because goals serve to motivate behavior. Students are more likely to work towards clear, specific, moderately difficult goals, because they perceive them as challenging but attainable. So teachers should master some important implications from the above goal-based theories, and establish proper goals for students and encourage them to focus on learning improving. Learning motivation has three basic functions (Wu xinchun, 1999): (1) Stimulating function. Once learners have certain learning motivation, in a certain condition, this incentive will stimulate learners to learn activities. (2) Pointing to the function. Learning motivation can make learners for certain learning objectives and learning. (3) Maintaining and regulating function. When learning activities, keep this active learning motivation will for certain learning goals. And adjust the learning of the intensity and duration. Each individual realize learning goals, and motivate to pursue the current learning activities, and to achieve our learning goals. Learning motivation can drive the organism to maintain or strengthen learning activities, or conversion activity direction in order to achieve the ultimate goal.(Yao xiaoting&Mao lingling, 2010: Huang Qian, 2012). Therefore, motivation can help students to improve themselves, the study with questionnaire, which is necessary to research the student’s English learning motivation. 3. Research Design 3.1 Objectives and Research Questions The study was conducted to measure some social and psychological variables affecting students’ English learning. The variables discussed in this paper are students’ interest in English, attitudes to English-speaking people, integrative, instrumental, motivational intensity, students’ goals, parental encouragement and different attributions. To measure these variables, I modified some questions to constitute my questionnaire(see the appendix). I translated these questions into Chinese because I did not want students to have comprehension difficulties in the way of the measurement procedure 45students from No.5 Middle School of Gejiu was encouraged to answer the questions as honestly as possible in order to promote the validity of the responses. I want to find out that is motivation related to students’ grades. Namely, I want to find out the answers to the following questions: 1. Whether or not students’ interest in English affects their learning motivation and achievements? 2. What are the main factors affecting students learning English? 3.2 Subjects The subjects in this study were 45 junior middle school students from NO.5 Middle School of Gejiu. Most of them came from the countryside and boys were more than girls. There are 21girls and 24 boys. Their ages ranged from 13 to15 and most of them were 14. They started learning English in primary school. They are in Grade Eight. I divided the students into two groups according to the marks of the Gejiu Final Examination last term: Group One is the middle level students (22), Group Two is the other students (23). In addition, all of them were my students which may make them respond the questionnaire cautiously and responsibly. Considering the above aspects, on the whole, the subjects may represent the average middle school students in this school. 3.3 Instruments This research adopts a questionnaire. Questionnaire for students is used to express and verify the research questions. One of the purposes of the study is to identify student motivation. In this circumstance, questionnaire is the most appropriate way to get data. In addition, in questionnaire students need not sign their names and shy students can also show their ideas without any embarrassment, which is possible to get the true data. 3.4 Data Collection The questionnaire was taken during regular class time by the author. Before the students answered the questions, some necessary instructions had been given on what the aim of the questionnaire was and how to answer the questionnaire and so forth by the author so that all the students can accomplish the questions with the right attitude and right ways. They were required to answer the questions honestly and accurately by themselves. The author explained that they need not write down their names on the questionnaire and all their information would
  • 5. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 140 be kept as secret. After the data were collected, they were carefully examined once more to guarantee that all of them are valid for study. Because of the authors’ knowledge limitation in statistics, all the data was analyzed by EXCEL. 4. Data Collection and Analysis 4.1 Results and Analysis The author collected and analyzed those 45 valid questionnaire accomplished by 45 students in Gejiu NO.5 Junior Middle School. For the questionnaire, from the question 1 to 8, 8 questions which are showed on the following table. Proportion↑ Results of question 1-8 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 a b c d e Questions→ Figure 1. It is obvious in the chart as the second question that illustrate 60% participants spent half an hour to learn English in their daily life; but only 3.3% of them spend more than one hour to learn English. When it comes to students’ motivation, 46.7% students are sometimes internal motivation learning in their daily life. And 40% students can learn by themselves spontaneously. The sixth question shows that 56.7% students are no feeling about learning English. According to the eighth question, 36.7% shows that goal-setting is the main factor of students’ motivation in learning English. 23.3% students can strive for the learning goal. From the seventh question, 50% students expect to communicate with other in English. Most students consider that they expect to get high grade in learning English, which contains 36.7%. And, the first question and the fourth question show that the most students are the middle level in the class, which 43.3% are confidence about learning English well. Some students think that they have some confidences to learn English well. The third questions shows that 53.3% students believe the importance of learning English, 36.7% students think that learning English is more important. The sixth question indicates that 56.7% students are unconsciousness about learning English. Table 1. Results of the ninth question Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e Item f Item g Item h Item i 66.7% 40% 23.3% 36.7% 16.7% 16.7% 23.3% 3% 0 For the ninth question, 66.7% shows that most students’ learning motivation is the main source of take good
  • 6. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 141 result in the examination. The other main sources of learning motivation are 40% students get/avoid parents and teacher of praise/punishment, 23.3% students consider that English is interesting, 36.7% students want to go abroad or to find good job in the future, and 20% students have their own opinions. Table 2. Results of the tenth question Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e 46.7% 16.7% 40% 13.3% 0 The tenth question, students achievement, 46.7% indicates that the teacher should teach well, they create a relaxed and happy atmosphere so student can learn English well. And 40% are parents and teachers paying more attention on students’ learning English. Table 3. Results of the eleventh question Item a Item b Item c Item d Item e 66.7% 40% 23.3% 36.7% 0 The eleventh question, 66.7% tells us that learning is not good, because the English class is boring, and 40% for students’ laziness, and 36.7% for lacking of English environment. For the twelfth question, students give teachers lots of advice; the most important is effective classroom atmosphere. And students interest in English songs that they learn from the song lyrics. The teacher can have a flexible and effective method to help students learning English. The teachers can tell stories about English or foreign fairy tale. And the teacher also can give students more time for active discussion and practice English. 4.2 Discussions of the Results According to the survey, most students have a relatively clear study motivation. Students can realize the importance of learning English. Students think that learning motivation is the main sources to get good grades in the examination; some students get/avoid parents and teacher of praise/punishment; to go abroad or to find good job in the future; the role of learning is to improve their own quality. Those can answer the second question. And those also are the students’ interest in English affects their learning motivation and achievements. The Junior Middle school students’ English learning motivation level is not high, on the whole are largely instrumental motivation. It is a long-term “exam-oriented education system” that forces the English teaching should keep an eye on the test scores, yet “high score low-intelligence phenomenon universal existence”. To cope with the examination, teachers teach students problem solving skills, students practice problem solving skills, students focus almost entirely on how to deal with the test. Therefore, we should pay attention to training and induction the students’ intrinsic motivation of English learning for middle school students. And to improve middle school students' English learning initiative and self-consciousness. Students’ interest plays an important part in English learning. Their interest in English affects their English learning and achievements. If students show great interest in English, they will hold positive attitudes towards English-speaking people and towards learning English. Therefore, teachers should take any possible measures to arouse student’s curiosity and develop their interest in English learning. According to the analysis, we can see that motivation is very essential in students’ learning English in junior middle school. The methods to excite students’ English learning motivation are necessary. 5. Some Suggestions to Students and Teachers 5.1 Suggestions to the Students For students, the students who use a variety of ways and activities can promote learning English. The students should believe that they need motivation to help them learning English. Setting up the right self-concept and clear and concrete study goal play an important role. The learning goal is clear that the goal can encourage people to struggle for it, unremitting, insist on reaching the purpose. (1) Students set right goal in English learning. Zhan Lu (2012) put forward that the clear goal of study and the
  • 7. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 142 stage for students help them to realize goal one by one. The goal is students’ striving direction, and the standard appraised and sign improved in study. To make students fully realize the value of English learning. Establishing the goal of learning English, and develop strong interest in learning English. (2) Students establish self-confidence. The students cultivate self-confidence and focuses on training themselves to ask questions, find problems, the ability to solve the problem. And the students can think seriously and actively answer questions, guide the students’ divergent thinking and innovative consciousness. (3) Students take part in activity groups. In English classroom, the students should pay attention to join group activities. And the students launch the activity; they can have more opportunity to learn English. (4) Students developing strong interest in learning English. Interest is one of the important conditions of learning English. Only the students who are determined to learn English well can generate strong interest in learning, so they will be happy and efficient to learn English and obtain good effect of learning English. (5) Students master study method and form good learning habits. The correct learning methods and skills in English learning is an important guarantee of the best effect. In addition, a good habit can help students effectively learning. Students in learning English should pay attention to develop spoken English, autonomous learning English and good writing habits. 5.2 Suggestions to the Teachers For teacher, as an organizer or leader in teaching, teachers have responsibilities to increase their students’ inclination to perform willingly and actively in English learning. As the old saying goes: “In ancient times those who wanted to learn would seek out a teacher, one who could propagate the doctrine, impart professional knowledge, and resolve doubts.” Meanwhile, teacher should establish good teacher-student relationship with students. Teacher's role can be from focus knowledge to changes in the development of students. (Wu Baoming, 2009) At the same time, it is proved that teacher could expound every creation purpose, meaning of knowledge among classroom instruction to test, make students realize the obvious value of knowledge and the knowledge can attract students to yield the prospective future and try their best to achieve it. So the English teacher should try to improve the charm of English, improve the temptation of learning English as well, and help students to fully realize the importance of English. (1) Teacher should use various and interesting activities in whole class, in small groups or in pair, which can attract students’ attention. (2) Apply new and effective techniques--multi-media, e-learning, not only in print but also audio and visual that arouses students’ curiosity and interest and also promote their intrinsic motivation. Adopting cooperative activities that can keep students feel safe and can stimulate their emotion. (3) Teacher should create a harmonious and co-operative classroom atmosphere to lighten students’ anxiety. Creating a student-centered environment is important, but not enough. A good class climate is vital to the success of the student-centered method. (4) Effective teaching and classroom management are relative (Huang Qian, 2012). Teachers can not only perfect in English but also good at managing the students. It is well know “Interest is the best teacher”. In the classroom teachers must be good at arousing students’ learning motivation and interests, enhancing their consciousness of participation in classroom activities, especially, stimulating students’ interest in learning English and making them “happy” in a pleasant situation. From “want me to learn” into “I want to learn” to “I love to learn”. (Zhao Chaojian, 2012) The cultivation of middle school students’ learning motivation requires teachers to excite students’ learning interest in the course of adopting the valid organization teaching methods. (5) Make efforts to provide more communicative opportunities. The teacher must give students high expectation and use rewards appropriately that the outward power can stimulate students’ English learning on the basis of extrinsic motivation theory. Meanwhile, teacher provides opportunities for students to experience the success. The combination of listening, speaking, reading and writing may be the most effective skill activity, the more ways we can give our students to use English, the more likely we are to keep all our students motivated and successful. 6. Conclusion There are some limitations of the present study. Based on questionnaire in this research is possible not to cover all aspects of motivation variables. In other words, the questionnaire is not comprehensive enough. The larger the sample size is, the more reliable the research will be. Although 45 junior middle school students are selected,
  • 8. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 143 the number is only a small size analyzed with the whole number. The above study and discussion show that many students have a strong instrumental motivation in their English learning. Most of them prefer short-term goals to long-term goals. On the other hand, students generally have higher desire and commitment to learning English despite a lot of difficulties facing them. In order to enhance the motivational behaviors of these students, the author provides some suggestions, for example, developing students’ interests in learning English, training learning strategies and promoting students’ self-efficacy. It is expected that the findings obtained in the study can be helpful for English teachers to have a better understanding of their students, and the suggestions offered in the paper can be a contribution to the improvement of English teaching. In conclusion, all the teachers and students must spare no effort to work hard in the process of teaching and learning. The most important thing is that spur students’ motivation to heighten the teaching effect in English teaching and learning so as to the students’ English practical ability. References Atkinson, J. W. (1964). An Introduction to Motivation Princeton. N.J.: Van Nostrand. Ausubel, David, A. (1968). Educational Psychology: A Cognitive View. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston. Bandura, A. (1986). Social foundations of thought and action. A social-cognitive view Englewood Cliffs. N.J.: Prentice Hall. Biggs, J. (2002). Teaching for Quality Learning at University. The Society for Resrarch into Higher Education & Open University Press. Crookes, Q. (1991).“Second language speech production research: a methodologically oriented review”. Studies in Second Language Acquisition 13. Gardner, R. (1985). Social Psychology and Second Language Learning: The Role of Attitude and Motivation. London: Edward Arnold. Gardner. R. C., & P. D. MacIntyre. (1992). “A student’s constructions to second language Learning.” Language Teaching, 25. Gardner, R., & W. Lambert. (1959). ‘Motivational variables in second language acquisition ’Canadian Journal of Psychology. Gardner. R., & W. Lambert. (1972). Attitudes and motivation in Second Language Learning Rowley, Mass: Newbury House. Huang, Qian. (2012). Action Research on Motivation in English Reading. Theory and Practice in Language studies, 2(8), 1755-1760. Hudson, G. (2000). Essential introductory linguistics.UK:Blackwell Publishers. Johnstone, K. (1999). Research on Language Learning and Teaching, (1997-78). Language Learning. Locke, E. A., & Latham, G. P. (1990). A Theory of Goal Setting and Task Performance. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall. Paul, Eggen., & Kauchak, Don. (2005). Educational Psychology: Windows on Classroom, Shangxi: Shangxi Normal University Press. Pintrich, Pant, R., & Dale, H. Schunk. (2002). Motivation in Education: Theory, Research, and Applications. Upper Saddle River: Merrill/Prentice Hall. Schmidt. (1996). Foreign Language Motivation: Second Language Teaching & Curriculum Centre. Van, Lier, L. (1996). interaction in the language curriculum:Awareness, Autonomy and Authenticity, London: Longman. Williams, M., & R.L.Burden. (1997). Psychology for Language Teachers. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. An Min. (2010). On Training and Stimulate Students Learning Motivation, Modern Reading. The ninth perid. He Zhaoxiong, & Mei deming. (1999). Modern Linguistics. Beijing: Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press. Haomei, Hao Ruoping. (2001). Reseach on English achievement and achievement motivation state anxiety,
  • 9. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 144 Foreign Language Teaching and Research. The second period. Wen Qiufang. (1996). English Learnig Strategies. Shanghai: Shanghai Foreign Lanuage Press. Wen Qiufang. (2001). English Learners’ Motivation, Idea, Change the Rules and characteristics of Strategy, 33, the second period. Wen Qiufang, & Wang Haixiao. (1996). The Relationship between Learner Factors and the Univerty English Four Leavels of Examination. Foreign Language Teaching and Research. Wu Heping. (2001). Second Language Learning Motivation in Foreign Study in the ninety. Foreign Language Teaching and Research, the second period. Wu Baoming. (2009). On the Change of Teacher’s role under the Background of New Curriculum. Journal of Hubei College of Adult Education, 15, the sixth period. Wu Xinchun. (1999). Higher education psychology, Beijing: Higher education press. Yao Xiaoting, & Mao Lingling. (2010). Study on Stimulating English Learning Motivation, Journal of Wuxi Instite of Commerce, 10, the ninth period. Zhao Chaojian. (2012). Stimulate the English learning motivation of junior high school, Foreign Language Teaching and Research, the third period. Zhan Lu. (2012). The Methods to Excite Students English Learning Motivation,Teaching Theory and Practice. Appendix 下面是本人在 2013 年 2 月至 3 月于个旧市第五中学实习时对八年级 45 名学生的关于激发英语学习动机 的问卷调查: 亲爱的同学: 你好!这是一份关于初中生英语学习动机的调查问卷。调查的目的是为了进一步了解初中生英语学习现 状,培养英语学习兴趣,提高学习效率。希望你认真阅读此问卷,按照你的真实情况选择。问卷仅作调 查研究使用,答案没有对错之分;问卷填写采用不记名方式;对你填写的内容我们将采取严格的保密措 施,希望你能真实填写。谢谢你的配合,祝你身体健康、学习进步! 最后,感谢你的支持和配合! 年级______ 性别________ 选择题(每题只选出最符合自己情况的一个答案) 1、你自己的英语成绩在班上属于 ( ) a. 好 b. 上 c. 中 d. 中下 e. 差 2、除了上英语课,你每天自觉花在英语学习上的时间是 ( ) a. 超过一个小时 b. 约 1 小时 c. 半个小时 d. 几乎不花时间 3、 你认为英语重要性 ( ) a.很重要 b. 较重要 c. 不重要 d. 没用 4、你对学好英语的信心 ( ) a. 充满信心 b. 一般 c. 有些信心 d. 没有信心 5、你平常是否会主动学习英语?( ) a. 经常 b. 有时 c.很少 d.从不 6、你学习英语时有什么感觉? ( ) a. 很快乐 b. 比较快乐 c. 没感觉 d.痛苦 7、你对自己英语水平的期待 ( ) a.考试得高分 b.能用英语流利的交流 c.差不多就可以 d. 无所谓 8、你会给自己的英语学习确定目标,然后朝着目标努力吗?( ) a. 每次都会 b. 有时 c.很少 d.从不 9、你的学习动机来源主要是(可多选)( )
  • 10. www.ccsenet.org/elt English Language Teaching Vol. 6, No. 9; 2013 145 a.在考试中取得好成绩 b. 获得/避免家长和老师的表扬/惩罚 c. 英语很有趣 d. 为将来出国或找好 工作 e 老师经常鼓励我 f 我想看英文电影,小说上网等 g 大家都在学习英语 h 我喜欢英语老师 i 其它 __________ 10、我英语学好主要是因为(可多选)( ) a. 老师教的好,创造轻松愉快的氛围 b. 我们的英语老师好,我喜欢他 (她) c. 父母老师都很重视 d.我付出了许多时间和精力 e. 其他 __________ 11、我英语学的不好主要是因为(可多选)( ) a.英语课枯燥,没兴趣 b. 自己懒惰 c. 缺少运用英语的环境 d.缺乏好的学习方法 e 其他___________ 12、你认为英语教师如何做更能激发你的学习动机?或者在英语学习中,你有什么好的方法或经验?(至 少一条) __________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________ 再次感谢你的大力合作! 祝你学习进步! Copyrights Copyright for this article is retained by the author(s), with first publication rights granted to the journal. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/).
  • 11. Reproduced with permission of the copyright owner. Further reproduction prohibited without permission.